JustTheFacts's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:33,148
- Reviews Submitted:681
- First Review:December 7, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 4, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Escape the cold incarceration of Davy Jones' brig and discover the otherworldly origins of his galleon in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW! POSSIBLE SPOILERS
PostedApril 20, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
BONUS CHAPTER
For once I remembered to note the time, so I can tell you it took me exactly 75 minutes to complete the bonus chapter, which is an epilogue to the main game. It is not necessary to the main story, which ended nicely. This is just an extra adventure. It includes almost all new scenes, some where the old scenes used to be.
For once I remembered to note the time, so I can tell you it took me exactly 75 minutes to complete the bonus chapter, which is an epilogue to the main game. It is not necessary to the main story, which ended nicely. This is just an extra adventure. It includes almost all new scenes, some where the old scenes used to be.
The puzzles and HOPs are all new. Most of the types of HOP found in the main game are represented here, but I felt there were too many fragmented object puzzles. Mind you, I personally dislike this HOP type, so it may just have been too many for me.
GALLERY
The usual selection in the gallery. Wallpapers (locations) x 12, good interesting Concept Art, unfortunately not saveable x 14, Cut Scenes x 14 + 12 more in black and white, Music x 6.
The usual selection in the gallery. Wallpapers (locations) x 12, good interesting Concept Art, unfortunately not saveable x 14, Cut Scenes x 14 + 12 more in black and white, Music x 6.
COLLECTIBLES
There are 3 types of collectibles. None of which I managed to find all of. I was 2 short on each. There are 10 pirate cards, 12 glowing seahorses, and 24 puzzle (jigsaw) pieces.
There are 3 types of collectibles. None of which I managed to find all of. I was 2 short on each. There are 10 pirate cards, 12 glowing seahorses, and 24 puzzle (jigsaw) pieces.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The achievements are delightfully represented on various parts of the galleon. There are many of both performance and story awards. There is one you might look out for, regarding interaction with the animals of the island. No, we don’t rescue any, have any pets or anything so involved as that, but...
The achievements are delightfully represented on various parts of the galleon. There are many of both performance and story awards. There is one you might look out for, regarding interaction with the animals of the island. No, we don’t rescue any, have any pets or anything so involved as that, but...
REPLAYABLES
There are 11 replayable HOPs. They are presented as interactive word lists only.
There are 11 replayable HOPs. They are presented as interactive word lists only.
I’d have to say, while the game itself is a clear 5 stars, the bonus content is not all that impressive. I mean, why have us collect 24 puzzle pieces, and then just present us with the finished picture? However, it is enough to justify the CE to those who lean in that direction anyway, but I could have been just as happy with the SE.
Will you heed the director’s final casting call?
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 61 found this review helpful
Final Cut Is The Deepest!
PostedApril 20, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Definitely the best yet of the Final Cut series, this game has a new twist that has it playing inside the world of another game. There’s also a new ever-present bad guy, reminiscent of “Dorian Grey Syndrome”. The mansion has changed yet again, this time we see it during the holiday season. (What’s with this Xmas obsession recently, developers? Yeah, I know it was Xmas just a little while ago, but that normally doesn't affect subject matter.)
Definitely the best yet of the Final Cut series, this game has a new twist that has it playing inside the world of another game. There’s also a new ever-present bad guy, reminiscent of “Dorian Grey Syndrome”. The mansion has changed yet again, this time we see it during the holiday season. (What’s with this Xmas obsession recently, developers? Yeah, I know it was Xmas just a little while ago, but that normally doesn't affect subject matter.)
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The opening scenes are in sepia, movie quality graphics. Not my cup of tea, but they add authenticity to the game’s atmosphere of the art deco era, which has been faithfully portrayed in both the other Final Cut games as well. Someone on the team must be a real fan! The graphics in the locations are as superb as you could want them to be. The integrated people are always a buzz. The HOPs are crystal clear, with large well lit objects. I love the cursor.
The opening scenes are in sepia, movie quality graphics. Not my cup of tea, but they add authenticity to the game’s atmosphere of the art deco era, which has been faithfully portrayed in both the other Final Cut games as well. Someone on the team must be a real fan! The graphics in the locations are as superb as you could want them to be. The integrated people are always a buzz. The HOPs are crystal clear, with large well lit objects. I love the cursor.
The music is annoying. It is a ‘revving up’ tune, which is fine, but it just goes on and on. The voiceovers are good, but seem a little bit off. But I’m quibbling. A great touch is the ominous voice of our bad guy coming to us while we are doing an HOP! Creepy! Early on, there is a lot of monologue diatribes by the bad guy. Perhaps too much for some, but it didn’t bother me.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
We meet with a journalist who says he is convinced there is a serial killer on the loose who is staging his murders like scenes from our father’s greatest movies. I really love this story. What a great idea! Anyway, before we can get really into it, a package arrives for us that is from the killer, and we are “invited” to return to our mansion and prevent another murder.
We meet with a journalist who says he is convinced there is a serial killer on the loose who is staging his murders like scenes from our father’s greatest movies. I really love this story. What a great idea! Anyway, before we can get really into it, a package arrives for us that is from the killer, and we are “invited” to return to our mansion and prevent another murder.
It is our old gardener Frank who’s in danger, and where we find him is astonishing! We are on the deck of the ship from Dear Old Dad’s favourite movie “Sea Of Lies”! Brilliant! And don’t forget the humour and artistic talent doesn’t end with the game – check out the credits! (Although, Eipix, please slow them down, I have trouble reading that fast!)
I was disappointed that we didn’t do any more of the developer’s games from other series, but we did find ourselves on sets related to those we saw in the previous Final Cut games. Those of you who have not played the first two games of this series may well want to play them first, because it really does make it easier to appreciate the story and to better enjoy the joke.
GAMEPLAY
Varied HOP styles along with new and sometimes challenging puzzles keeps your attention in this game. There is every conceivable combination of HOPs, including interactive word lists, silhouettes, and HOPs within another, nested in much the same way as the game stories are. Plus matched pairs, multiples of, and ones I can’t give a name to. There is also a fun Match-3 alternative.
Varied HOP styles along with new and sometimes challenging puzzles keeps your attention in this game. There is every conceivable combination of HOPs, including interactive word lists, silhouettes, and HOPs within another, nested in much the same way as the game stories are. Plus matched pairs, multiples of, and ones I can’t give a name to. There is also a fun Match-3 alternative.
The puzzles vary from ludicrously easy to "SOS where’s the walkthrough?" One puzzle I particularly love is a 3D maze. Really cleverly done and fun to play. I’ve been spoiled by having played every Eipix game, so I am used to their imaginative flair, but they manage to astonish me yet again with the variety of ways to progress through this game.
Getting around is tricky because the signature feature of this game is the film projector which alters our perceptions of reality. So a given place may swap between two interpretations by the flip of a switch, and you must achieve your goals by travelling between them. There is a directional hint, but if you are in the wrong “view”, you will have to refill it. There is also an interactive jump map which is unusual in the way it displays the various locations, but again does not allow you to jump between views. The journal has objectives and a diary.
There is one thing that could be better. The loading between locations is a bit slow. For the first time in ages, I saw a black screen between.
COMBINED IMPACT
Wonderful! I was not a big fan of the first Final Cut, but I could see its quality and artistic merit. This game, though, is five stars all the way for me. It is entertaining and beautiful from start to finish, and I just loved wondering what was coming around the next imaginative corner!
Wonderful! I was not a big fan of the first Final Cut, but I could see its quality and artistic merit. This game, though, is five stars all the way for me. It is entertaining and beautiful from start to finish, and I just loved wondering what was coming around the next imaginative corner!
I recommend this game!
Discover a story of mysterious kidnappings of both children and mafiosi.
Overall rating
4
/
5
50 of 69 found this review helpful
Welcome To “The Family”!
PostedApril 19, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Nice roller coaster ride to the main menu page, but a little basic I thought. Still, the game has momentum. It is, finally, a story that is quite different from the norm. Not a relative in sight. The mafia, while known to many as “the family”, aren’t ours. *wink* Disappearing mafia bosses might not, admittedly, bring out much sympathy, but there are kids involved too. And, strangely, butterflies!
Nice roller coaster ride to the main menu page, but a little basic I thought. Still, the game has momentum. It is, finally, a story that is quite different from the norm. Not a relative in sight. The mafia, while known to many as “the family”, aren’t ours. *wink* Disappearing mafia bosses might not, admittedly, bring out much sympathy, but there are kids involved too. And, strangely, butterflies!
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are good. Clear, well drawn, fairly realistic. Detailed and mostly well lit. Although this game does have some very dark locations. The acting is realistic too, with good voiceovers and almost spot on lip synch. The music is original and good, although it got a bit repetitious. The background sounds and special effects are competent, but nothing exceptional.
The graphics are good. Clear, well drawn, fairly realistic. Detailed and mostly well lit. Although this game does have some very dark locations. The acting is realistic too, with good voiceovers and almost spot on lip synch. The music is original and good, although it got a bit repetitious. The background sounds and special effects are competent, but nothing exceptional.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
It is 1955. Mafia bosses and small children are disappearing. Odd combination, but true. The bosses are leaving behind icky green liquid and a butterfly and the children are leaving behind a drawing of the exact same butterfly. You become involved as an accomplished investigative journalist, called in by the curator of the last crime scene, the Museum of Natural History.
It is 1955. Mafia bosses and small children are disappearing. Odd combination, but true. The bosses are leaving behind icky green liquid and a butterfly and the children are leaving behind a drawing of the exact same butterfly. You become involved as an accomplished investigative journalist, called in by the curator of the last crime scene, the Museum of Natural History.
I am sorry to say that what follows is a direct lift off another very successful game, but I won’t name it, because, for many, it may go unnoticed. Still, we are in this investigation by whatever means, and we must track down the source of this strange evil that is terrorising the city.
GAMEPLAY
A good balance of HOPs and puzzles/mini-games, held together well in an adventure format. The adventuring is assisted by a map that is customisable (the game has 3 preset levels of difficulty, plus customisation). You can choose to indicate on the map – or not – active areas, collectibles and morphing objects. It is also a teleport device. Hint is directional. Black bar comments are a little too helpful at times, but you can control them too.
A good balance of HOPs and puzzles/mini-games, held together well in an adventure format. The adventuring is assisted by a map that is customisable (the game has 3 preset levels of difficulty, plus customisation). You can choose to indicate on the map – or not – active areas, collectibles and morphing objects. It is also a teleport device. Hint is directional. Black bar comments are a little too helpful at times, but you can control them too.
The HOPs are progressive silhouettes, and there are only 2 so far as I have got in the demo. I have not finished it in the hour I played. The mini-games are a bit tricky. One I felt was not properly explained at all (even in the Strategy Guide – which is top left, btw, took me ages to find it!), a couple were very time-consuming and one was just too hard for me. There are no fancy gadgets, cute companions or nifty special abilities. You are expected to solve this one using your wits. *smile*
CE BLING!
Lots of collectibles! Morphing objects (36), suitcases (9), statues of liberty (9), ties (9), casino chips (9). Achievements (20) that seem mostly performance.
Lots of collectibles! Morphing objects (36), suitcases (9), statues of liberty (9), ties (9), casino chips (9). Achievements (20) that seem mostly performance.
There are mini-games to replay (26), but also new puzzles unlocked by getting each category of collectible. For instance, you might need all of the ties to access the first puzzle of 5.
The usual gallery items – 9 wallpapers (good ones, not just screenshots), 19 saveable concept art drawings in black and white, 10 cut scenes, 6 music. Bonus chapter and Strategy Guide.
COMBINED IMPACT
I liked this game. I enjoyed the different story, the puzzles (mostly) and the adventure gameplay. But it is not a world beater. A good solid game with a lot of collectibles as incentive to buy the CE. I’m on the fence about that, but I will certainly be buying this game.
I liked this game. I enjoyed the different story, the puzzles (mostly) and the adventure gameplay. But it is not a world beater. A good solid game with a lot of collectibles as incentive to buy the CE. I’m on the fence about that, but I will certainly be buying this game.
I recommend this game!
Can you and Detective Dupin uncover the dark secrets of this mysterious estate?
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 98 found this review helpful
Curiously Creepy Case
PostedApril 18, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
One of the lovely things about this series is that each story stands alone, and is sufficient in itself, while they also linked by the illustrious career of the famous detective M. Dupin, and of course, ourselves. With each new mystery our role has grown, and now we have a fully fledged detective agency.
One of the lovely things about this series is that each story stands alone, and is sufficient in itself, while they also linked by the illustrious career of the famous detective M. Dupin, and of course, ourselves. With each new mystery our role has grown, and now we have a fully fledged detective agency.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Beautiful hand painted graphics, clear and colourful, with excellent cut scenes. The acting is very good, in particular the melancholy twins are very convincing. The locations are richly detailed and varied, a delight to the eye.
Beautiful hand painted graphics, clear and colourful, with excellent cut scenes. The acting is very good, in particular the melancholy twins are very convincing. The locations are richly detailed and varied, a delight to the eye.
The soundtrack is great. The series signature tune is played, at times, by piano solo at first, and sounds wonderful. It is joined by mysterious but mild music, that is relaxing as well as atmospheric. The voiceovers are nicely done, although some of the accents were a little too broadly American for my taste. In some locations, there are the creepiest whispers and giggles. Enough to curdle the blood. *grin*
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
We have been called to the estate home of the Usher family by their doctor. The last survivors of the family are twins who have been ailing all their lives with a mysterious illness. As well, each suffers whatever befalls the other, and they are both continually weakened by it.
We have been called to the estate home of the Usher family by their doctor. The last survivors of the family are twins who have been ailing all their lives with a mysterious illness. As well, each suffers whatever befalls the other, and they are both continually weakened by it.
Now, Roderick is deathly ill, and Madeline has disappeared! It is up to us to find answers before the twins bring about the Fall Of The House Of Usher. The back story is delivered to us in various ways, some character reminiscences, combined with sepia animated sketching. I feel the explanation for all this, when it comes, is unclear and somehow unsatisfying. I think there should have been more evidence pointing in that direction.
GAMEPLAY
Fun stuff here! There are a lot of things to do and to find. The HOPs (12) come in several flavours: interactive word list, riddles, silhouettes, fragmented objects, matching pairs and multiples of, also dioramas . Some scenes are visited twice, but when you return to a scene, it will be with a different search method. If you wish, you can play a very intriguing and original Match-3 game that is easy to learn but fun to master. Definitely good. There are mostly easy puzzles (13), some with a new twist, and a few hard ones. You can make some of them more difficult by choosing that option within the puzzle itself.
Fun stuff here! There are a lot of things to do and to find. The HOPs (12) come in several flavours: interactive word list, riddles, silhouettes, fragmented objects, matching pairs and multiples of, also dioramas . Some scenes are visited twice, but when you return to a scene, it will be with a different search method. If you wish, you can play a very intriguing and original Match-3 game that is easy to learn but fun to master. Definitely good. There are mostly easy puzzles (13), some with a new twist, and a few hard ones. You can make some of them more difficult by choosing that option within the puzzle itself.
As with all the Dark Tales, this game is not particularly hard, but we can customise the difficulty levels. And there is plenty of help for those who want it. We have an interactive map and directional hint. There's the journal, which was left behind by a previous investigator. He took photos, so matching them to the scene, gives us valuable pointers about where to go next. Parts of a message appear on the back of each photo and the message is compiled in the journal. At one point, even the Usher’s black cat gives us a nudge in the right direction.
Early in the game we come upon a “Reborn One”, who takes the role of the normally cute companion (but we already have M. Dupin!). Certainly not cute, it is interesting and visually striking. Its particular skill is to ‘create life’. The Reborn One is an interesting character visually, but has nothing to say for itself. There is a helpful mouse with us for part of the investigation, and the weirdest thing. A very amusing and active but ugly rat, who sits to the left of the (lockable) inventory bar for the entire game, without making any contribution whatsoever other than comic relief.
COMBINED IMPACT
I’m officially hooked on the remarkable M. Dupin, and am sure it is only a matter of time before the detective agency becomes a family business. So I am necessarily biased. But this is an exceptional game regardless, and delightfully dark. Although all of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories are creepy, Dark Tales games usually haven’t been so much creepy as mysterious. This one is the creepiest of the series, sometimes scary, often startlingly unexpected. Also lovely, involving and intriguing. And most of all, fun.
I’m officially hooked on the remarkable M. Dupin, and am sure it is only a matter of time before the detective agency becomes a family business. So I am necessarily biased. But this is an exceptional game regardless, and delightfully dark. Although all of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories are creepy, Dark Tales games usually haven’t been so much creepy as mysterious. This one is the creepiest of the series, sometimes scary, often startlingly unexpected. Also lovely, involving and intriguing. And most of all, fun.
I recommend this game!
Track down the wily Fox’ before he slips away into the beauty of Venice!
Overall rating
5
/
5
122 of 152 found this review helpful
Gloriously Artful
PostedApril 17, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
In a word. Beautiful. All of it. Everything about it. From the first seconds, this game is beautiful. And classy. And extremely professional. In a different league, really, to the first Off The Record, which was a great game, but for reasons that didn’t specifically include the beautiful art and sound.
In a word. Beautiful. All of it. Everything about it. From the first seconds, this game is beautiful. And classy. And extremely professional. In a different league, really, to the first Off The Record, which was a great game, but for reasons that didn’t specifically include the beautiful art and sound.
Everything works. The opening cut scenes are interesting, in an investigative journalist way, not insane crashes or wild witchery, and beautifully crafted. Venice is, of course, a great location if you want to showcase some artwork of your own. The sound tracks are also great. The music is mostly light and airy, gentle – creating an atmosphere that is delicate with a whiff of intrigue. But there is plenty of variety. The voiceovers are excellent. Again with that Eipix signature dialogue device, lip synched cameo shot, with the larger shot still. I loved the sound of gulls. It never occurred to me to think of gulls in Venice, but of course, it makes perfect sense.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You are the journalist who investigated Linden Shades (first Off The Record game), now famous. Le Volpe, The Fox, an art thief who allegedly retired 5 years ago, has committed another heist at the Museum in Venice. You are supposed to be going there for a holiday, but your boss has got a lead, and you would never knock back a chance to find this character, who has managed to remain both anonymous and at large. So you’re off on a working holiday now, with little time for the sights. The story has some interesting twists almost immediately. You’ll have to keep on your toes.
You are the journalist who investigated Linden Shades (first Off The Record game), now famous. Le Volpe, The Fox, an art thief who allegedly retired 5 years ago, has committed another heist at the Museum in Venice. You are supposed to be going there for a holiday, but your boss has got a lead, and you would never knock back a chance to find this character, who has managed to remain both anonymous and at large. So you’re off on a working holiday now, with little time for the sights. The story has some interesting twists almost immediately. You’ll have to keep on your toes.
GAMEPLAY
This is easy gameplay for the most part, there’s plenty of help with a directional hint, and interactive jump map. The map has spectacular aerial shots of the locations. Lockable inventory. Journal with notes. Later, tapes with interesting historical info. You also have a camera. This is used in specific situations where it can, with the help of an acquired special filter, and via a mini-game, reveal otherwise hidden information. There are also inventory plus items that combine or require extra actions.
This is easy gameplay for the most part, there’s plenty of help with a directional hint, and interactive jump map. The map has spectacular aerial shots of the locations. Lockable inventory. Journal with notes. Later, tapes with interesting historical info. You also have a camera. This is used in specific situations where it can, with the help of an acquired special filter, and via a mini-game, reveal otherwise hidden information. There are also inventory plus items that combine or require extra actions.
HOPs: all silhouettes so far, but... one is progressive interactive, another is replace the silhouetted objects, another has zoom in windows with mini-word lists. Some, the scene involves only 4 or 5 objects, cuts to another place and another small silhouette list. I preferred the panning found in other Eipix games. Puzzles, not many and none that I’d call hard. Which means too easy for the hard core crowd. Way too easy. But there are 3 difficulty levels, plus a custom level. You receive useful cards, such as press pass, which are kept in a separate section of the inventory. Adventure play is straightforward, intuitive mostly, but fun. Plenty to do.
I love the interface, but it is a little crowded, with journal, achievements, collectibles indicator, menu, and guide on the left and map, useful cards, hint, camera, and I’m sure at least one other thing I have forgotten on the right. I found myself backing out when I didn’t want to, or pressing the wrong thing if I got sloppy.
CE BLING!
There is so much fun to be had after the game that it’s almost too complex to explain.
There is so much fun to be had after the game that it’s almost too complex to explain.
Collectibles: 36 fox figurines. Not easy. I did not find one! 10 travel guide pages. 16 letters of the alphabet. Morphing objects in the HOPs – I forget how many. I found one. All the other beauty is definitely distracting.
Achievements, lots of both performance and story. Displayed from main menu in a gallery in the museum, also accessed from the journal. I like the way the achievements are grouped together by type into different show cases or other furnishings.
Gallery items: Wallpapers, screensaver?, concept art, music. Making of photos and behind the scenes video. Even pix in the credits, according to my understanding of one of the achievements.
Replayable HOPs (10), and puzzles (30)!, which are accessed by a simple puzzle.
An in-game SG of course, the bonus chapter, and an area in the extras called the Terrace, which I’m guessing is a souvenir room for the other 36 collectibles.
COMBINED IMPACT
A glorious game filled with beauty, art and intrigue. A high brow and more sedate version of “Smithsonian Hope Diamond”.
A glorious game filled with beauty, art and intrigue. A high brow and more sedate version of “Smithsonian Hope Diamond”.
I recommend this game!
Travel between the worlds of the living and the dead to save a loved one!
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 64 found this review helpful
Pauper’s Calavera!
PostedApril 16, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
At first, the obvious rip off of Calavera: Day Of The Dead annoyed me so much I couldn’t get into this game. I mean, the exact same story – fiancé/e kidnapped on the Day of the Dead and a journey into the afterworld to rescue him/her! Outrageous. And by comparison, this one just doesn’t have a ghost of a chance. But it grew on me a little.
At first, the obvious rip off of Calavera: Day Of The Dead annoyed me so much I couldn’t get into this game. I mean, the exact same story – fiancé/e kidnapped on the Day of the Dead and a journey into the afterworld to rescue him/her! Outrageous. And by comparison, this one just doesn’t have a ghost of a chance. But it grew on me a little.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
This game’s graphics are very bright and colourful, a little too light for me, I like a fuller colour. Very cartoonish. But nicely done, just not on a par with the mega-games of 2014. The music is a big plus for the game, ethnically appropriate, and tuneful and lively. There is, in both the sights and the sounds, a hint of the humour found in Calavera.
This game’s graphics are very bright and colourful, a little too light for me, I like a fuller colour. Very cartoonish. But nicely done, just not on a par with the mega-games of 2014. The music is a big plus for the game, ethnically appropriate, and tuneful and lively. There is, in both the sights and the sounds, a hint of the humour found in Calavera.
There are no voiceovers, this is a low budget game, but the dialogues do not interfere too much with the action. Voiceovers would have been much better though.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
As I said, kidnapped fiancé, the need to cross over to the world of the dead to rescue him. In this story, the fortune teller helps you concoct the magic potion and complete the ritual required to make the journey. There we meet lots of specific characters belonging to the myths and traditions of the Day of the Dead.
As I said, kidnapped fiancé, the need to cross over to the world of the dead to rescue him. In this story, the fortune teller helps you concoct the magic potion and complete the ritual required to make the journey. There we meet lots of specific characters belonging to the myths and traditions of the Day of the Dead.
The approach to the characters is odd. Each time they appear a scene appears with a poster-like look to it with the creature’s image and name.
GAMEPLAY
Again, the game is low budget, so there is not much new here. There are progressive silhouettes and interactive word list HOPs, and an assortment of others, including some carnival ones, and some casino games. These are played too slowly, detract from the game because of it, and are just time fillers as far as I could see. A lot of the game so far has been the kind that includes recipes and spells and finding lots of ingredients.
Again, the game is low budget, so there is not much new here. There are progressive silhouettes and interactive word list HOPs, and an assortment of others, including some carnival ones, and some casino games. These are played too slowly, detract from the game because of it, and are just time fillers as far as I could see. A lot of the game so far has been the kind that includes recipes and spells and finding lots of ingredients.
The most noteworthy feature of this game is the map of the world of the dead. It is flabbergasting. I have no idea how it works – but it does. I have no idea how to use it – but I did. It is beautiful, original, and sufficiently interesting to me that I will buy this game in order to study it more closely. You have to admit, that must be some map! It does show you the places you can go, but I could never describe adequately how. There is also the directional hint and journal to help.
The most annoying thing about this game is that when you enter a close-up window, you cannot back out, you must close it by clicking on the x in the top right corner. VERY irritating.
COMBINED IMPACT
A lesser quality game that is a rip off a better one, but which has a quirky bent and some interesting ways of doing things that make it worth it for novelty value.
A lesser quality game that is a rip off a better one, but which has a quirky bent and some interesting ways of doing things that make it worth it for novelty value.
I recommend this game!
Will you heed the director’s final casting call?
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW! SPOILERS POSSIBLE!
PostedApril 15, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
BONUS CHAPTER
This is as good as the main game, even better if you like a more serious challenge, because I found the puzzles in this part of the game harder. The story is an offshoot of the main one that is played with a different character and occurs in the story while you are elsewhere. Very nifty. Was a bit disconcerting at first, I wasn’t sure what I was witnessing!
This is as good as the main game, even better if you like a more serious challenge, because I found the puzzles in this part of the game harder. The story is an offshoot of the main one that is played with a different character and occurs in the story while you are elsewhere. Very nifty. Was a bit disconcerting at first, I wasn’t sure what I was witnessing!
It took me well over an hour to play, and that includes a more extensive use of hint and skip than my norm. Most of the HOP types are represented, and there are plenty of new puzzles as well as a whole new “movie” to experience. One hilarious glitch was such fun I wouldn’t want it fixed. At one stage all you can see of a person supposedly in full view is his forearm gesticulating in synch with his voiceover.
STRATEGY GUIDE
Okay. In some cases, I would have liked a more detailed explanation.
Okay. In some cases, I would have liked a more detailed explanation.
COLLECTIBLES
The collectible clapper boards (49) are not as easy to find as you’d think. They are fairly visible, but it’s the remembering to look that’s difficult, because there’s so much more to do. There is a clapper board indicator in the bottom right that shows if you have found the one in this location yet. Likewise the morphing objects (15) can be found in the HOPs, and an indicator shows if you have found it or not. You only get one shot at them, because the scenes aren’t repeated.
The collectible clapper boards (49) are not as easy to find as you’d think. They are fairly visible, but it’s the remembering to look that’s difficult, because there’s so much more to do. There is a clapper board indicator in the bottom right that shows if you have found the one in this location yet. Likewise the morphing objects (15) can be found in the HOPs, and an indicator shows if you have found it or not. You only get one shot at them, because the scenes aren’t repeated.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Everything from doing the tutorial to watching the credits. The 18 awards are nicely presented as thumbnail images on the movie screen. Achievements include completion of the extras games as well. Even an award for replaying the HOPs to a certain standard.
Everything from doing the tutorial to watching the credits. The 18 awards are nicely presented as thumbnail images on the movie screen. Achievements include completion of the extras games as well. Even an award for replaying the HOPs to a certain standard.
SOUVENIR ROOM
The souvenir room has a single item from all the locations and you are taken back through each to find it. Its image is shown in the lower left corner. I found this part of the game the easiest of all, even though some souvenirs are actually hidden within the location.
The souvenir room has a single item from all the locations and you are taken back through each to find it. Its image is shown in the lower left corner. I found this part of the game the easiest of all, even though some souvenirs are actually hidden within the location.
GALLERY
Wallpapers (8), Concept Art (8), Photo Sessions (16), Videos (18), Music (20). No wonder the game remained fresh even after I’d been at it for hours! I’ve never seen such a long list of sound tracks.
Wallpapers (8), Concept Art (8), Photo Sessions (16), Videos (18), Music (20). No wonder the game remained fresh even after I’d been at it for hours! I’ve never seen such a long list of sound tracks.
MAKING OF
This is not just any old home video we’re talking about. It is a game in itself, which you get to play with the actual Final Cut team! They are full of surprises! I really love these people.
This is not just any old home video we’re talking about. It is a game in itself, which you get to play with the actual Final Cut team! They are full of surprises! I really love these people.
REPLAYBLES
Puzzles (32) and HOPs (15). The HOPs constitute another game, because you can play them to achieve perfect scores no hints, getting the morph and time and accuracy scores, expressed as up to 3 crowns, and there is an achievement for that as well. You can find the morphing objects in the replayable HOPs, and the places you still need to find them are indicated by a highlighted jigsaw puzzle piece.
Puzzles (32) and HOPs (15). The HOPs constitute another game, because you can play them to achieve perfect scores no hints, getting the morph and time and accuracy scores, expressed as up to 3 crowns, and there is an achievement for that as well. You can find the morphing objects in the replayable HOPs, and the places you still need to find them are indicated by a highlighted jigsaw puzzle piece.
This is a top notch complete-package bonus content. There is something for everyone and several hours’ worth of playing available, even after finishing the main game.
I recommend this game!
Can you and Detective Dupin uncover the dark secrets of this mysterious estate?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Why So Shy, Monsieur?
PostedApril 14, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW! POSSIBLE SPOILERS!
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
BONUS CHAPTER
A bit of a frustration, actually, for all that it was well put together and intriguing. The story is loosely connected to the main game, but in a confusing way that never becomes truly coherent. Mostly, I just plodded through doing whatever was next, without any real motivation, because I never quite got the hang of how this fit with the main story. This drove me nuts, and spoiled this chapter for me. It took a fair bit more than an hour, and was possibly closer to two, to complete the chapter. The English is a little less polished, and the graphics were occasionally off. This is true of several other ERS bonus chapters. They get sloppy near the end.
A bit of a frustration, actually, for all that it was well put together and intriguing. The story is loosely connected to the main game, but in a confusing way that never becomes truly coherent. Mostly, I just plodded through doing whatever was next, without any real motivation, because I never quite got the hang of how this fit with the main story. This drove me nuts, and spoiled this chapter for me. It took a fair bit more than an hour, and was possibly closer to two, to complete the chapter. The English is a little less polished, and the graphics were occasionally off. This is true of several other ERS bonus chapters. They get sloppy near the end.
STRATEGY GUIDE
Easy to use, easy to find. Clear enough screenshots and pointers.
Easy to use, easy to find. Clear enough screenshots and pointers.
GALLERY
Videos x 14, Wallpapers x 6, Concept Art x 15, Screensavers x 5, Music x 4. So far, uninspiring. But there is also the PHOTO ALBUM.
Videos x 14, Wallpapers x 6, Concept Art x 15, Screensavers x 5, Music x 4. So far, uninspiring. But there is also the PHOTO ALBUM.
This is a collection of photos you took with your CAMERA within the game. Great idea, letting us create our own wallpaper, but they are all screenshots of the location, and do NOT include the most important ingredient, M. Dupin himself. Why, I ask, oh why, can I not have likeness of my favourite detective on my desktop? Come, Monsieur, be not coy! Let me commission a portrait from ERS!
COLLECTIBLES
These are gold coins that you find only in the dollhouses scattered about the game. Yes, I said dollhouses *grin*. And, yes, they are inside them. Being reasonable sized dwellings, the dollhouses are not too hard to find, and once you use your special magnifier to see inside them, the coins are very obvious. It’s an odd arrangement, but original. It would have been nice, seeing they were there, for them all to have been different (the dollhouses), and collected somewhere for display.
These are gold coins that you find only in the dollhouses scattered about the game. Yes, I said dollhouses *grin*. And, yes, they are inside them. Being reasonable sized dwellings, the dollhouses are not too hard to find, and once you use your special magnifier to see inside them, the coins are very obvious. It’s an odd arrangement, but original. It would have been nice, seeing they were there, for them all to have been different (the dollhouses), and collected somewhere for display.
LABORATORY
This, too, is frustrating. Having found all the coins needed to equip your laboratory, you proceed with a couple of very mini mini-games to discover the guilty suspect. That done, there is no follow through. We don’t pass the information on to Dupin, we don’t catch the culprit. No closure.
This, too, is frustrating. Having found all the coins needed to equip your laboratory, you proceed with a couple of very mini mini-games to discover the guilty suspect. That done, there is no follow through. We don’t pass the information on to Dupin, we don’t catch the culprit. No closure.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Many achievements, both performance and story based. They are displayed in our office, where we also have our photo album.
Many achievements, both performance and story based. They are displayed in our office, where we also have our photo album.
REPLAYABLES
Mini-games x 17, HOPs x 15. No fancy further puzzles to gain access to these games.
Mini-games x 17, HOPs x 15. No fancy further puzzles to gain access to these games.
COMBINED IMPACT
I should remember to stop doing this to myself. ERS just don’t put all they’ve got into their bonus content, and I am usually less than happy with my purchase.
I should remember to stop doing this to myself. ERS just don’t put all they’ve got into their bonus content, and I am usually less than happy with my purchase.
I recommend the SE game.
Become a real detective of the Ancien Régime and visit renowned carnivals collecting rare masks for the countess!
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 42 found this review helpful
Another Cookie, But...
PostedApril 14, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Even I’m impressed. Yes, it is another serving of identically structured 8 Floor fare, this time of the pictograph puzzles. But the theme, backgrounds and most especially music, create a whole new feel absent from their previous offerings.
Even I’m impressed. Yes, it is another serving of identically structured 8 Floor fare, this time of the pictograph puzzles. But the theme, backgrounds and most especially music, create a whole new feel absent from their previous offerings.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The pix are gorgeous. With 6 carnivals to attend around the world, we have 6 masks and themed backgrounds of (for 8 Floor) astonishingly beautiful images. Likewise, the music varies according to where the carnival is set. It is also wonderful! The atmosphere is totally unlike the bland tasteless games I, at least, have come to expect. It is not a wide screen game, but at least it has wallpaper on the sides.
The pix are gorgeous. With 6 carnivals to attend around the world, we have 6 masks and themed backgrounds of (for 8 Floor) astonishingly beautiful images. Likewise, the music varies according to where the carnival is set. It is also wonderful! The atmosphere is totally unlike the bland tasteless games I, at least, have come to expect. It is not a wide screen game, but at least it has wallpaper on the sides.
GAMEPLAY
I promised in previous reviews to give more time and energy towards doing an in-depth and original review, the day 8 Floor released an original game. While this is still the same structure as all their games, at least the theme gives us a breath of fresh air, so I will encourage further adventurous modifications, by commenting more on this one.
I promised in previous reviews to give more time and energy towards doing an in-depth and original review, the day 8 Floor released an original game. While this is still the same structure as all their games, at least the theme gives us a breath of fresh air, so I will encourage further adventurous modifications, by commenting more on this one.
Griddlers are also known as pictographs. They involve creating an image in tiles by following a series of numerical clues at the beginning of the columns and rows. Even if you have not played this kind of puzzle before, it is easy to get a basic understanding within a few riddles. They start out easy, and get progressively more complex as you progress.
Although they are supposed to produce pictures, these riddles have only the barest resemblance to an image, and my imagination pretty much defeats me. Most of them, I simply do not know what they are supposed to be.
8 Floor are renowned for their tough stand early into these games. You are only allowed 2 mistakes and 1 hint at the beginning. Later, they are not so tough, and you can buy more options if you want.
There are 6 festivals, and 20 masks in each, for a total of 120 levels. Each level has a 3 star system of ratings. You require a certain number of stars in each festival before you can move to the next. But a perfect score is not necessary, and you can repeat any level to improve your star rating.
The stars are granted based on 3 different measures:
1. Number of coins earned
2. Time taken to complete
3. Use of hint and mistakes
2. Time taken to complete
3. Use of hint and mistakes
One feature I don’t remember seeing before, and which is a most welcome addition, is a ‘cancel action’ area in the top left corner (it is hard to spot). You can drag your cursor to this spot if you have started an action and realise that it is wrong. In the past, you would sacrifice a mistake for it, at best. Now, you can correct your actions without penalty.
The coins you earn can be used in the shop, where you can buy more hints, mistakes and other power ups. Mistakes can be bought for as little as 2000 coins, which is the earnings of a half a dozen levels, roughly.
There are a large number of trophies, mostly based on completion of different levels, but also ones like ‘earn 20000 coins’.
COMBINED IMPACT
Again, it is nothing exceptionally new here from 8 Floor, except that they have created an atmosphere that separates it from other games of its type, and for once I feel enthusiastic about this pictograph release.
Again, it is nothing exceptionally new here from 8 Floor, except that they have created an atmosphere that separates it from other games of its type, and for once I feel enthusiastic about this pictograph release.
I recommend this game!
You've returned from school to visit your father at his famous Jazz Pepper Club during Mardi Gras, but everyone is hypnotized. Have they heard the wrong note?
Overall rating
5
/
5
187 of 225 found this review helpful
Outstanding! Original! Outta Sight!
PostedApril 12, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Even if you don’t like jazz, you’ll love it here. This game brings the entire world of jazz to life. An exciting, tight and self-explanatory intro sets the scene, and then here we are, a jazz club in New Orleans at Mardi Gras time. And before we even get out of the cab, the first of many innovations becomes apparent. Can you spot the difference?
Even if you don’t like jazz, you’ll love it here. This game brings the entire world of jazz to life. An exciting, tight and self-explanatory intro sets the scene, and then here we are, a jazz club in New Orleans at Mardi Gras time. And before we even get out of the cab, the first of many innovations becomes apparent. Can you spot the difference?
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are beautifully done, crisp and colourful, and drawn with real talent. There is plenty here to just look at. Maybe a little Picasso? The cut scenes are exceptional, with remarkably good facial movements of the characters, who are lip synced perfectly. The voices also sound authentic. The accents are just right. The music and singing fit the era. There are the sounds of preparations for the carnival in the background – great stuff like that. I think it is just marvellous.
The graphics are beautifully done, crisp and colourful, and drawn with real talent. There is plenty here to just look at. Maybe a little Picasso? The cut scenes are exceptional, with remarkably good facial movements of the characters, who are lip synced perfectly. The voices also sound authentic. The accents are just right. The music and singing fit the era. There are the sounds of preparations for the carnival in the background – great stuff like that. I think it is just marvellous.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
We are heading home to visit our Dad at his jazz club in New Orleans, just in time for Mari Gras, 1941. But when we finally gain entry to the club, everyone in it is in some kind of trance, including our father! Did the guy who bumped into us in the hall have something to do with... whatever this is? We will need to find out a lot we never knew about our father to get to the bottom of this mystery.
We are heading home to visit our Dad at his jazz club in New Orleans, just in time for Mari Gras, 1941. But when we finally gain entry to the club, everyone in it is in some kind of trance, including our father! Did the guy who bumped into us in the hall have something to do with... whatever this is? We will need to find out a lot we never knew about our father to get to the bottom of this mystery.
GAMEPLAY
There is the expected mix of HOPs, puzzles and adventure in this game, although movement inside the game world is a little restricted at first. The puzzles tend towards visual ones, a misplaced objects diorama for instance, and various jigsaw-styled ones with new twists. There are the usual inclusions: a notebook for notes, objectives and achievements. A game timer. The hint is directional and the map is an interactive jump map, but so far, there's not much travel involved. Extra actions or combinations are sometimes needed within the inventory. There are four levels of difficulty, with the option to customize all the settings.
There is the expected mix of HOPs, puzzles and adventure in this game, although movement inside the game world is a little restricted at first. The puzzles tend towards visual ones, a misplaced objects diorama for instance, and various jigsaw-styled ones with new twists. There are the usual inclusions: a notebook for notes, objectives and achievements. A game timer. The hint is directional and the map is an interactive jump map, but so far, there's not much travel involved. Extra actions or combinations are sometimes needed within the inventory. There are four levels of difficulty, with the option to customize all the settings.
The really big departure from the norm, though, are the HOPs. There is one standard word list, but the scene is that Picasso I mentioned, which certainly makes it "artistic". *grin* Another is a matching pairs game that is totally unlike any other. And then there’s this game's new, totally original, HOP style. I won’t say much, or I’ll spoil the thrill of discovery, but it involves words, pix, and even a morphing object, all of which merely hide the true objects of your search.
CE BLING!
As I’ve implied, there are both collectibles and achievements in this game. The collectibles in the game locations are music notes, and an indicator tells you whether you have already found it in a location, or not. Likewise, the morphing object in the HOPs has an indicator that changes when it is found - and they're hard to find. These indicators cannot be switched off, as far as I could find. There are about a dozen achievements, represented by postage stamps in the notebook.
As I’ve implied, there are both collectibles and achievements in this game. The collectibles in the game locations are music notes, and an indicator tells you whether you have already found it in a location, or not. Likewise, the morphing object in the HOPs has an indicator that changes when it is found - and they're hard to find. These indicators cannot be switched off, as far as I could find. There are about a dozen achievements, represented by postage stamps in the notebook.
As for the rest, we can expect the usual. Bonus chapter. SG. Wallpapers, concept art, screensaver, music and videos.
COMBINED IMPACT
This game is outstanding. Original, involving and with top flight production values. I can’t wait to play and the full game is downloading as we speak!
This game is outstanding. Original, involving and with top flight production values. I can’t wait to play and the full game is downloading as we speak!
I recommend this game!